ATLANTA -- A resolution could be announced soon in the long-standing dispute between Atlanta Public Schools and the city of Atlanta over how to fund the Beltline.

Atlanta's city attorney released a statement saying they are cautiously optimistic that settlement will be reached soon, and that the $9 million payment demonstrates a commitment to finalizing a resolution as quickly as possible.

The two sides had been at an impasse for years over how much money the city owes the school system.

Earlier this year, the district said the city owed it nearly $14 million from property tax money generated within the Atlanta Beltline project area.

Back in 2005, APS agreed to give up some of its property tax dollars and the city promised to make annual payments to the school district to offset the loss.